So considering the standard of English here (the JET Programme has been going on how many years now?!), count me surprised how prevalent cheesy English-language puns are - particularly in marketing communications.
For example, there's a barbershop in my town called Cut & Bro, and my prefecture's top tier basketball team is the Happinets (yes, seriously).
Then there's this movie poster... with my favourite Japun to date.
Given that an ex-Evil Corp boss stomped on every one of my attempts to slip puns into my work, it delights me to see things like this.
Life in Japan may be tough - making incredible demands of the individual in terms of commitments in every aspect of their life - but in advertising the Japanese certainly seem to embrace a little bit of lightheartedness. Ridiculous mascots, puntastic calls to action - here the Japanese routinely and unashamedly embrace their silly side.
Or at least I hope they recognise the groan-triggering wordplay, and are in on the joke...
For example, there's a barbershop in my town called Cut & Bro, and my prefecture's top tier basketball team is the Happinets (yes, seriously).
Then there's this movie poster... with my favourite Japun to date.
Given that an ex-Evil Corp boss stomped on every one of my attempts to slip puns into my work, it delights me to see things like this.
Life in Japan may be tough - making incredible demands of the individual in terms of commitments in every aspect of their life - but in advertising the Japanese certainly seem to embrace a little bit of lightheartedness. Ridiculous mascots, puntastic calls to action - here the Japanese routinely and unashamedly embrace their silly side.
Or at least I hope they recognise the groan-triggering wordplay, and are in on the joke...
